Pictured above are: Stephanie Houk-Sheetz, President, Iowa Urban Tree Council (blue blazer), Jill Johnson, U.S. Forest Service Midwest Urban Forestry Coordinator (in grey patterned top) Paul Tauke, State Forester (in suit with purple shirt).

The Iowa Urban Tree Council is proud to announce The Dysart Cemetery Board as an Outstanding Community Organization for 2014. The award was presented at the 25th Annual Urban Forestry Awards Luncheon on April 9, 2015 held at the Stoney Creek Inn in Johnston.

The Dysart Cemetery Board helped plant trees at the cemetery to replace the many trees lost during the July 11, 2011 derecho windstorm. Winds up to 120 mph damaged the once green cemetery full of trees. Only nine of the old evergreen trees remained standing. Expenses for the storm cleanup cost $89,000. The cemetery board planted 162 new trees with the help of local support and lots of donated labor.

The Dysart Cemetery Board is an outstanding example of Iowa’s community organizations, by enhancing our forest resources. The important project the board has worked on and helped spearhead will benefit the community for future generations.